The Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel was established in 1990 as the umbrella organization for the nine RCCs operating throughout Israel.
- Galilee-Golan (Kiryat Shmona)
- Nazareth (serving the Arab community)
- Haifa
- Sharon region
- Tel Aviv
- Jerusalem
- TAHEL (serving the religious and ultra-Orthodox communities)
- TAIR (Rehovot and central Israel)
- MASLAN (Be’er Sheva and the Negev)
RCC Services
The RCCs provide support and assistance to survivors of sexual violence. Their services include (inter alia):
- Immediate assistance via 24/7 crisis hotlines, online chat, and WhatsApp support
- Legal advocacy and accompaniment through legal proceedings
- Support groups for survivors
- Assistance in realizing financial rights
- Education and prevention programs, including training on sexual harassment prevention for various audiences
ARCCI as a Social Change Agent
Beyond supporting individual survivors, ARCCI drives systemic social change at the national level. For over three decades, the organization has been working to enhance rights and services for survivors, advocate for preventative and comprehensive responses, and reduce the prevalence of sexual violence in Israel.
Key Areas of ARCCI’s Work
1. Legislative and Policy Advocacy
ARCCI initiates and promotes legislation and policies to improve the rights and services available to survivors of sexual violence. The organization works closely with the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) and government ministries to advance legal protections and support systems.
As part of this effort, ARCCI facilitates direct dialogue between policymakers, public officials, and survivors to ensure that survivors’ voices are heard in decision-making processes.
To date (2025), ARCCI has played a key role in initiating, drafting, and/or advancing over 50 laws that have been enacted in Israel’s legal system.
2. Legal Advocacy and Strategic Litigation
ARCCI’s legal department initiates and participates in strategic lawsuits and petitions that shape Israel’s legal policies regarding sexual violence. The department’s work aims to improve the way the legal system handles sexual offenses and to protect the rights of survivors. These efforts influence both normative and practical changes in legal proceedings and judicial decisions.
3. Media and Public Awareness
ARCCI is active in all media platforms to raise awareness about sexual violence and its impact, shape public discourse, and challenge harmful narratives surrounding survivors.
Additionally, ARCCI provides media guidance for survivors who choose to share their stories publicly, ensuring they are represented respectfully and safely. The media department also leads activism efforts, such as public protests, campaigns, and advocacy initiatives to support survivors and push for systemic change.
4. Research and Knowledge Development
ARCCI is Israel’s leading body for research and data collection on sexual violence. It gathers, analyzes, and publishes comprehensive reports on sexual violence in Israel, including statistics on incidents, survivor experiences, and institutional responses.
The organization also conducts independent studies, develops new tools, and makes research findings accessible to the public, policymakers, and academic institutions. This research informs national policies and advocacy efforts.
5. Education and Training Division
ARCCI’s education division coordinates and enhances the efforts of the educational departments within RCCs across Israel. These programs provide professional and effective training to a wide range of audiences, aiming to reduce sexual violence and increase access to support services.
Additionally, ARCCI trains law enforcement agencies and other professional sectors on how to respond effectively to sexual violence cases.
By integrating individual support with systemic change, ARCCI works toward a future where survivors receive the justice and support they deserve, and society takes active measures to prevent sexual violence.
